When Pacers president Kevin Pritchard sent Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, there were plenty of critics who said the Thunder got the vastly better end of the deal.

Since then, Oladipo has averaged a career-high 24.3 points and re-energized the franchise, while Sabonis has 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds of his own.

Pritchard knows the Thunder got quite a talented player of their own, so he isn't calling this is a "gotcha" deal.

"Not ever," Pritchard told the IndyStar. "I have great respect for (Thunder General Manager) Sam Presti. Both teams were looking for something. They got a heck of a player (in George), one I'm sure they're happy to have."

George is averaging 20.4 points with the Thunder.

But, Pritchard is quick to acknowledge the impact Oladipo has had on his teammates and the franchise in his short time playing for his hometown team. The Pacers were expected by many to struggle this season, yet they sit in the sixth spot in the East -- and their biggest slide of the season came with Oladipo sidelined.

"From our perspective, we targeted Victor and Domas," Pritchard said. "It wasn't by chance. They are two young players we wanted. Victor has been like a breath of fresh air. What's that saying, High tide lifts all boats? That's what he's been for us."

The profile also addresses Oladipo's relationship with his father and what Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade have meant to his development. Read the full story here.